Methods and apparatus for fixing a pipeline to a coupling

ABSTRACT

In order to simply and economically fix to an internal-thread coupling (12) a pipeline (17) furnished with two slidable external-thread connections (15, 18), the invention contemplates fabricating the two external-thread connections (15, 18) together in the shape of one part only. At a predetermined screw-in torque, one external-thread connection (15) is torn off and as a result one pipeline end (16) is safely retained in the internal-thread coupling (12). The second external-thread connection (18) may be slid to the second end (21) of the pipeline and can fix the latter to a further internal-thread connection. The fixing means and methods contemplated by the invention are automation compatible and, upon fixing, protect the pipeline from being detached from the coupling through faulty handling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for fixing apipeline to a coupling. More particularly, the invention relates tomethods and apparatus for fixing a pipeline to an internal-threadcoupling, utilizing fixing means furnished with slidable external-threadconnections on either side.

2. Brief Description of the Related Art

Brake hoses, used in the process of assembling by automotive vehicles,are typically furnished with couplings at the free end of the hoses.These hoses are sometimes fixed to the body and connected to the brakepiping before installation of the axles. In most cases, the brakes areprovided with internal-thread connections and coupled to the axles.Presently, in order to couple the brake hoses to the brakes uponinstallation of the axles, pipelines are used which are furnished withat least one slidable external-thread connection being turnable on thepipeline. The pipelines are usually supplied together with the brakehoses as a pre-assembled unit. A number of well known methods andapparatus can be used to fabricate the pre-assembly.

One such method (and associated apparatus) involves soldering thepipelines into the couplings. This can, however, only be done on specialmachines and must be done before fixing the hose to the coupling sincethe hose cannot withstand the soldering temperatures without damage. Thecost of the soldering method can be prohibitive as well, since whenfixing the hoses a large, bulky and often curved part has to be held inplace.

Another prior art method involves shearing the pipelines into thecouplings. This method also involves the use of expensive specialmachinery.

Yet another known method for fabricating the pre-assembly, is to providethe pipeline with two slidable, turnable external-thread connections andto provide the coupling with an internal-thread. This is simple andallows the aforementioned fabrication to be carried out at relativelylow cost. However, in the state of the art implementation of this lastmethod, both the internal-thread coupling and the two external-threadconnections are equipped with external hexagons. As a result, it ispossible that the connection between the internal-thread coupling andthe pipeline can, through error (such as faulty handling) becomedetached.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide fixing means and methodswhich improve upon the known methods (and associated apparatus) forfabricating the pre-assembly, so that the fixing of a pipeline to acoupling cannot become detached through error. Furthermore, it would bedesirable if the improved fixing methods and apparatus were simple,inexpensive, and automation compatible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principle object of the invention to provide simple andinexpensive methods and apparatus for fixing a pipeline to a coupling insuch a manner as to render impossible detachment of the pipeline fromthe coupling, through faulty handling. It is a further object of theinvention to provide automation compatible fixing means and methods,which realize the aforestated principle object of the invention.

According to the invention, these objects may be achieved by fabricatingtwo external-thread connections as one part, and fabricating the partsuch that at a pre-established screw-in torque the connection screwedinto the coupling is torn off and retained in the coupling. The pipelineis thus fixed to the coupling.

Furthermore, according to the invention, it is contemplated that theportion of the fixing means so torn off and retained in the coupling, isnon-detachable.

The invention features a fixing means and methods which are automationcompatible and realize the other stated objectives of the invention.

These and other objectives and features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in lightof the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of theinvention, taken together with the accompanying Drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a prior art fixing means for a pipeline having two slidableexternal-thread connections, one of which is shown being screwed into aninternal-thread coupling in a part sectional view.

FIG. 2 shows fixing means, fabricated in accordance with the teachingsof the invention, for a pipeline having two still interconnectedslidable external-thread connections, one of which is shown beingscrewed into an internal-thread coupling in a part sectional view.

FIG. 3 shows the pipeline and fixing means depicted in FIG. 2 after oneexternal-thread connection has been torn off.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the accompanying drawings the invention may be readily compared witha prior art design version of the screw-in fixing means.

In particular, FIG. 1 depicts hose 1, to which a coupling 2 withinternal-thread 3 is fixed. On its outside, said internal-threadcoupling 2 is furnished with a hexagonal ring 4 at which it can be heldunrotatably. An external-thread connection 5 is screwed into theinternal-thread 3. It secures the flared, inwardly flanged end 6 of apipeline 7 in the internal-thread coupling 2. A second end 8 of thepipeline 7, too, is flared and inwardly flanged and allows to be fixedto a further, not illustrated internal-thread by means of a secondexternal-thread connection 9.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a hose 11 (similar to hose 1 in FIG. 1) to which aninternal-thread coupling 12 with an internal-thread 13 is secured. Thesurface 14 of the internal-thread coupling 12 is, however, plain. Intothe internal-thread 13 an external-thread connection 15 is screwed whichretains a flared and flanged end 16 of a pipeline 17 in theinternal-thread coupling 12.

In FIG. 2 the external-thread connection 15 is still connected to asecond external-thread connection 18 and to an external hexagon ring 19.A rupture point 20 is marked out by an arrow. This point is marked outalso in FIG. 3. However, the external-thread connection 15 has alreadybeen torn off from the external hexagon ring 19 and from the secondexternal-thread connection 18. Together with the external hexagon ring19 the second external-thread connection 18 looks almost identical tothe prior art part 9 in FIG. 1.

For assembly, internal-thread coupling 12, together with hose 11, isheld (preferably by mechanical means) to prevent rotation. Thereupon,the pipeline 17 with the external-thread connections 15, 18 and with theexternal hexagon ring 19 is pushed in, and with the aid of the externalhexagon ring 19, the external-thread connection 15 is screwed into theinternal-thread 13. At a predetermined screw-in torque, theexternal-thread connection 15 will torn off from the external hexagonring 19 and from the second external-thread connection 18 and will cometo be secured undetachably in the internal-thread coupling 12.Subsequently, the second external-thread connection 18 will allow to beslid to the second end 21 of the pipeline 17 and be screwed into anotherinternal-thread in the prior art manner.

What has been described in detail hereinabove are methods and apparatusfor fixing a pipeline to a coupling which meet all of the aforestatedobjectives. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoingdescription has been presented for the sake of illustration anddescription only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the principles of the instant invention and its practicalapplication to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe instant invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed:
 1. Apparatus for fixing a pipeline to aninternal-thread coupling, comprising:(a) integrally formed fixing means,slidable over said pipeline, including at least a first external-threadconnection which may be screwed into said internal-thread coupling inorder to attach one end of said pipeline thereto; and (b) means forrupturing said fixing means so that said first external-threadconnection is securely held in said internal-thread coupling and asecond portion of said fixing mean is thereafter slidably displaceablefrom said first external-thread connection along said pipeline. 2.Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for rupturingcauses said fixing means to separate at a predetermined screw-in torque.3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fixing means furthercomprises a second external-thread connection, fabricated together withsaid first external-thread connection as a single part.
 4. Apparatus asset forth in claim 3 wherein said pipeline and said external-threadconnections are integrated to form a single unit.
 5. Apparatus as setforth in claim 1 wherein said fixing means and said means for rupturingare fabricated as a single part.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1wherein said internal-thread coupling presents a substantially roundplain outer surface which may be utilized to secure said internal-threadcoupling against rotation during fixing.
 7. Apparatus for fixing apipeline to an internal-thread coupling, comprising:(a) fixing means,slidable over said pipeline, including first and second external-threadconnections, fabricated as a single part, wherein said firstexternal-thread coupling may be screwed into said internal-threadcoupling in order to attach one end of said pipeline thereto; and (b)means for separating said first and second external-thread connectionsupon application of a predetermined screw-in torque thereto resulting insaid first external-thread connection being securely held in saidinternal-thread coupling.
 8. A method for fixing a pipeline to aninternal-thread coupling, wherein said pipeline is furnished with fixingmeans, including first and second external-thread connections which areslidable over said pipeline, and means for separating said threadconnections at a predetermined screw-in-torque, comprising the stepsof:(a) inserting one end of said pipeline into said internal-threadcoupling; (b) screwing said first external-thread connection into saidinternal-thread coupling; and (c) applying a predetermined screw-intorque to sever said first and second external-thread connections,whereby said one end of said pipeline becomes fixed to saidinternal-thread coupling.
 9. A method as set forth claim 8 furthercomprising the step of securing said internal-thread coupling, viamechanical means, to inhibit rotation of said internal-thread couplingduring the fixing process.
 10. A method as set forth in claim 8 furthercomprising the step of sliding said second external-thread connection,after performing said step of severing, to the opposite end of saidpipeline.
 11. A method for fixing a pipeline to an internal-threadcoupling, comprising the steps of:(a) screwing slidable fixing means,including at least a first external-thread connection, into saidinternal-thread coupling in order to attach one end of said pipelinethereto; and (b) rupturing said fixing means so that said firstexternal-thread connection is securely held in said internal-threadcoupling and a severed remaining portion of said fixing means isslidably displaceable therefrom.
 12. Apparatus for fixing a pipeline toan internal-thread coupling, comprising:(a) fixing means, slidable oversaid pipeline, including at least a first external-thread connectionwhich may be screwed into said internal-thread coupling in order toattach one end of said pipeline thereto; and (b) means for rupturingsaid fixing means at a predetermined screw-in torque wherein said firstexternal-thread connection, upon separation of said fixing means, issecurely disposed within said internal-thread coupling, therebyretaining one pipeline end within said internal-thread coupling. 13.Apparatus for fixing a pipeline to an internal-thread coupling,comprising:(a) fixing means, slidable over said pipeline, including atleast a first external-thread connection which may be screwed into saidinternal-thread coupling in order to attach one end of said pipelinethereto; and (b) means for rupturing said fixing means so that saidfirst external-thread connection is securely held in saidinternal-thread coupling, said fixing means further comprising a secondexternal-thread connection, fabricated together with said firstexternal-thread connection as a single part, said second external-threadconnection, upon the application of a predetermined screw-in torque tosaid fixing means, is separated from said first external-threadconnection and further wherein said second external-thread connectionis, after being separated from said first external thread connection,slidable over said pipeline.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13wherein said second external-thread connection further comprises meansfor securing said second external-thread connection to aninternal-thread coupling located at the opposite end of said pipeline.15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein said secondexternal-thread coupling is equipped with an external hexagon. 16.Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said fixing means and saidmeans for separating are fabricated as a single part.
 17. Apparatus asset forth in claim 16 wherein said second external-thread connection,upon said separation of said fixing means, is slidable over saidpipeline.
 18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said secondexternal-thread connection further comprises means, including anexternal hexagon, for securing said second external-thread connection toan internal-thread coupling located at the opposite end of saidpipeline.
 19. Apparatus for fixing a pipeline to an internal-threadcoupling, comprising:(a) fixing means, slidable over said pipeline,including at least a first external-thread connection which may bescrewed into said internal-thread coupling in order to attach one end ofsaid pipeline thereto; and (b) means for rupturing said fixing means sothat said first external-thread connection is securely held in saidinternal-thread coupling, wherein said fixing means further comprises asecond external-thread connection, fabricated together with said firstexternal-thread connection as a single part, and wherein said pipelineand said external-thread connection are integrated to form a signalunit, and wherein said pipeline includes two flared and inwardly flangedends.
 20. Apparatus for fixing a pipeline to an internal-threadcoupling, comprising:(a) fixing means, slidable over said pipeline,including first and second external-thread connections, fabricated as asingle part, wherein said first external-thread connection may bescrewed into said internal-thread coupling in order to attach one end ofsaid pipeline thereto; and (b) means for separating said fixing means ata predetermined screw-in torque resulting in said first external-threadconnection being securely held in said internal-thread coupling, whereinsaid first external-thread connection, upon separation of said fixingmeans, is torn off and undetachably retained within said internal-threadcoupling, thereby retaining one pipeline end within said internal-threadcoupling.
 21. Means for fixing a pipeline to a threaded couplingcomprising:an integrally formed generally tubular member slidable oversaid pipeline, including first and second threaded connectorsinterspaced by member rupturing means, operative, upon mating engagementof said first threaded connector with said threaded coupling andapplication of a predetermined torque between connectors to separatesaid connectors, whereby said first connector remains securely engagedwith said coupling to attach one end of said pipeline thereto and thesecond connector is thereafter slidably displaceable from said firstconnector along said pipeline.